The public is invited to attend the opening of the new pedestrian underpass at the Inlet Beach Underpass Get Down on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 30Avenue in Inlet Beach.
The free event starts on the south side of the underpass near Shades Bar & Grill with a ribbon cutting at 11:15 a.m., followed by a parade through the tunnel led by Ohana Music Program, and ends at #30Avenue.
The family event also includes kid’s crafts, live music and light refreshments to enjoy during the festivities on the green at 30Avenue, located at 12805 U.S. Highway 98.
The Inlet Beach Underpass Get Down celebrates the hard work from all who brought this new addition, which allows for easy and safe passageway under busy Highway 98.
“We’re excited it’s done, that it’s going to save lives and that it ended up being such a wonderful piece of infrastructure for our communities,” said Leigh Moore, executive director for Scenic Walton.
According to Moore, the idea for the underpass came about over 10 years ago from local businesses anticipating robust growth in the area. The organization Scenic Walton led the project, which then became a collaboration between the Florida Department of Transportation, Walton County officials, and Walton County Tourism, with support from local foundations and businesses.
The underpass also features an art component, the inclusion of 10 murals by local artists selected by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.
Moore noted how the underpass will work aesthetically with the currently structures and surroundings at Inlet Beach’s intersection of 30A and Highway 98. “What we’re trying to do is two things; we want to protect that natural beauty and enhance it where we can, and we also want to minimize the negative impact of the built environment on the natural environment,” said Moore.
**Editors note, we are monitoring Atlantic storm activity that may impact this event. 30aforecast.com will be updating
